Blackpool holiday apartments firm ran competition for NHS workers to win a free stay in the resort

Blackpool Resort Family held a competition on its Facebook page calling on NHS workers across the country to get in touch and say why they would like a free two night stay in the resort.

The firm which has Reads Court, Heritage House and the new Kings Court apartments had a huge response and ten lucky winners were chosen. Owner Stuart King said it was important to recognise the sacrifice of the NHS staff.

He said: “Our business has been devastated by Covid19 but that’s in a business sense, these people are putting their lives on the line and the nation owes them a great debt.

“The comments that some of these people have shared are really emotional and they all deserve a holiday as they have worked immensely hard. That’s why we want to give them all the chance to be winners.”

He said they would be offering a 25 per cent off stay for all NHS staff and made ‘NHS charities together’ the firm’s charity for the year.

He added: “I saw a hashtag #coronaviruskindness which made small gestures to try and be kind during this time of uncertainty and myself and my team want to be kind and support these NHS heroes.

“In the end we picked the 10 winners and offered them a free break with up to four people to bring along with them. Some of the messages we got from the winners were lovely.”

One winner said: “I am so grateful and so happy. I have been away from my daughter for eight weeks and only this week has she returned home but will then go back to my parents home while I continue to work as a nurse. I honestly could cry I am so over the moon.”

Another said: ""I entered and nominated my mum, who really deserves this, we’re both sat in tears.”